Sassuolo and Cagliari have played out a 1-1 draw in their opening Serie A match of the season.

Nicola Sansone was close to giving the hosts the lead early on when he was played through on goal, before seeing his effort blocked by Simone Colombi.

The hosts then went ahead in the 42nd minute through Simone Zaza, who met Domenico Berardi's ball at the back post before firing a volley past the keeper.

Their lead lasted less than two minutes, as Marco Sau placed Antonio Balzano's cross into the roof of the net to level the scores.

After the break, Zaza forced Colombi into a save from his low strike, before the keeper stopped Davide Biondini's effort.

The two teams struggled to create chances in the closing stages of the match as the game finished on level terms.